Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino banned from driving after he was caught on the wrong side of road while over legal limit
Brazil midfielder stopped behind the wheel of his Range Rover by cops in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Christmas Eve
LIVERPOOL ace Roberto Firmino has been banned from driving after caught on the wrong side of the road and over the legal alcohol limit.
The £100,000-a-week Brazilian ace was behind the wheel of his Range Rover when he accidentally moved into the wrong carriageway in Liverpool city centre at 3am on Christmas Eve.
He was charged with driving while over the legal alcohol limit and ordered to appear before court, where he was handed a 12-month ban and a £20,000 fine.
Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard his rap came just days after his home was raided by burglars, which left him and his family living in a hotel.
His defence lawyer Michael Hogan told a judge his client was "extremely nervous" about the charge.
Prosecuting, Alison Clarkson said: "The defendant was driving his vehicle on Strand Street in Liverpool and crossed over into the other carriageway, at which point police officers spotted him and realised he had been drinking.
"He was arrested and taken to the police station, where he read 46mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood."
District Judge Miriam Shelby was told a raid on Firmino's home led his agent and police officers to recommend he and his family vacated the property for a few days.
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He had been in a city centre restaurant with visiting pals from his native Brazil when he got into his Range Rover.
The court heard how a road improvement scheme had altered the layout of the road and confused Firmino, leading him to briefly drive the wrong way.
Defence lawyer Michael Hogan said: "The day before he was stopped by police, he and his family were targeted by a group of criminals who were intent on breaking into his house and robbing them of their precious belongings.
"That it should happen in his own home so close to Christmas caused him considerable anxiety and distressed.
"The next day he was stopped by police, he admitted he had taken a drink. What should have been a night at home with family and friends was suddenly changed.
"He was preoccupied and accepts he should have kept a closer eye on what he had been drinking. He left the restaurant and probably took a wrong turn up the junction of Hanover Street near the new bus station."
The court heard how the sentencing guidelines for the offence allowed for an unlimited fine, but Firmino's defence pleaded for leniency based on the fact he had to pay effectively two rents on properties - his home and the hotel.
The star was supported by wife Larissa Pereira as he entered the court building this morning..
He faced a nervous wait after the case was delayed a number of hours yesterday due to a no-show from the court's Portuguese translator.
They have two daughters, 2-year-old Valentino and baby Bella, together.
Firmino, who joined the Anfield club from German side Hoffenheim in July 2015, is his side's joint top scorer this season with nine goals.
A club spokesperson said: “The player has been disciplined by the club for his actions and
reminded of his responsibilities for the present and future.
“The nature of this action will remain private, however it does not impact on his availability for selection for matches.
“The club considers this to be an isolated incident and a rare lapse in judgement and professionalism. We will however work with the player to further educate him on the dangers associated with drink driving specifically.”
After the hearing, the player said: "I apologise, without reservation, to the club, the manager, my
team-mates and the supporters for putting myself in this situation.
“What I have done is wrong and sets a bad example.
"I promise to everyone in the LFC family that I will learn from this mistake, learn from this experience, and not repeat it in the future."
The devout Muslim denied being aware he was drinking alcohol but a judge branded the claim "inconceivable".
In 2004, ex-West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes was jailed for six years for killing a father-of-four after a boozy night out near Meriden, Warwickshire.
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